Hour 3: Retired Numbers & Mets-Nationals

Summary

Podcast Summary: Hour 3 – Retired Numbers & Mets-Nationals

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca (ESPN New York), Alan Hahn (ESPN New York Knick Broadcaster), Peter Rosenberg (Hip Hop Vet & WWE Personality)
• Episode Title: Hour 3: Retired Numbers & Mets-Nationals
• Release Date: April 25, 2025

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I. Introduction to the Episode

The third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast delves deep into the intriguing topics of retired jersey numbers in sports and the ongoing debate surrounding the New York Giants' NFL draft decisions, particularly regarding African American quarterbacks. Additionally, the hosts provide comprehensive coverage of the latest happenings in Major League Baseball, focusing on the Mets-Nationals series, while engaging with listener calls and sprinkling in their characteristic humor and insightful commentary.

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II. Retired Numbers in Sports

Challenges and Solutions: The conversation begins with a robust discussion on the challenges of retiring jersey numbers across sports. With a limited range of numbers available, the hosts explore the complications that arise as more numbers become retired, making it difficult for new players to choose their jerseys.

Proposed Solutions: Peter Rosenberg suggests innovative solutions, such as:

• Gold-Colored Jerseys: "What do you guys think of this? A player wears a retired number, but the number on the jersey is like in gold" ([11:48]).

This idea aims to honor retired numbers visually without entirely removing them from availability.

Notable Player References: The hosts reference several iconic players, debating the significance and appropriateness of retiring certain numbers:

• Phil Simms: “Phil Simms still resonates. He was the first quarterback of the New York Giants to win a Super Bowl” ([06:00]).

• Billy Martin: Discussed as an example of a player whose number retirement could be revisited, albeit humorously questioning the practicality of three-digit numbers ([10:51]).

Quotes:

• Alan Hahn criticizes current fashion trends on ESPN, stating, "Wear a suit. Wear some nice tie up proper hard bottom shoes. Just dress like a gentleman when you're on the tv. It's not that hard." ([04:00]).

• Don La Greca muses on the future of retired numbers, "But I think it's more of a football because you only have. You only have 99 numbers and you've got 53 players on a team." ([05:41]).

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III. NFL Draft and Giants' Quarterback Decisions

Debate on African American Quarterbacks: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the New York Giants' reluctance to draft African American quarterbacks. This topic intensifies following a listener call expressing frustration over the Giants selecting Jackson Dart over Jalen Milro.

Key Points Discussed:

• Historical Context: The Giants' history of not drafting African American quarterbacks leads to accusations of systemic racism, a point heavily debated by the hosts.

• Player Evaluations: Comparisons between quarterbacks like Jackson Dart, Jalen Milro, and Shador Sanders are scrutinized, evaluating their stats, performance, and potential fit for the Giants.

Listener Call and Host Responses: Devin voices his concerns: “What's the unwillingness of the Giants to draft a black quarterback? ... Jackson Dart is not it. He's a Daniel Jones 2.0.” ([23:37]).

Host Perspectives:

• Don La Greca: Challenges the notion of inherent racism by highlighting the Giants' recruitment of African American quarterbacks as free agents and the presence of an African American general manager. “They signed two African American quarterbacks to free agent as free agents to bring them in as veterans.” ([25:19]).

• Peter Rosenberg: Acknowledges the stigma but emphasizes the need for concrete evidence rather than baseless assumptions. “But I just think they had them rated higher and they took the higher rated player in their opinion.” ([25:00]).

• Alan Hahn: Points out the complexity of the issue, stating, “But they also not had. They're one of the team. A starting quarterback that didn't miss a game for 15 years.” ([36:32]).

Quotes:

• Don La Greca asserts, “But you can't really go with trends. You go with what looks right on you.” ([03:41]).

• Peter Rosenberg remarks, “It's such a new generation thing. ... we're going to have a good opportunity to sort this out.” ([08:48]).

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IV. Mets vs Nationals & Baseball Coverage

Mets' Performance: The hosts provide an optimistic outlook on the New York Mets, highlighting their current winning streak and positive run differential. Don La Greca notes, “Mets are the only team in the division with a plus run differential. A plus 36.” ([41:35]).

Player Highlights:

• Senga: Focused on his performance and potential to lead the Mets to continued victories. Peter Rosenberg states, “Senga, you know, again, as a Yankee fan is. I will have the devil game on.” ([40:32]).

• Carrasco: Mentioned as a key player pitching for the Mets against the Nationals. “Mets are in Washington take on the Nationals.” ([40:32]).

Quotes:

• Don La Greca elaborates on the Mets’ promising start: “They have their best pitcher on the mound. It's by far the longest winning streak we see right now in Major League Baseball.” ([41:35]).

• Peter Rosenberg adds excitement about upcoming games, “It's a wraparound four game series. So already having won seven in a row...” ([01:07]).

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V. Audience Calls and Interactions

Listener Engagement: The episode features several listener interactions, each contributing to the depth of the discussions.

Notable Calls:

• Devin's Call: Raises concerns about the Giants' draft choices, particularly focusing on race and performance metrics of quarterbacks. This call initiates the extensive debate on racism within the Giants' franchise ([23:37]).

• Tessa's Call: Offers a fan’s perspective on the recent draft and expresses optimism about the Giants’ front line, adding a personal touch to the conversation. “... But I'm just saying we might win a couple of games now.” ([18:33]).

• Richard Jefferson's Call: Discusses a recent game and refereeing decisions, bringing attention to officiating inconsistencies. “... They have to correct that today. They have to come out with a statement.” ([44:11]).

Quotes:

• Tessa highlights a fan's hope: “Listen, how many years have I been calling ready to bash my head against the wall... But I'm just saying we might win a couple of games now.” ([18:33], [20:04]).

• Richard Jefferson points out officiating flaws: “... he should have never been allowed to make that play because you're not supposed to move.” ([46:21]).

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VI. Light-Hearted Discussions and Humor

Fashion Critique: Alan Hahn vents his frustration with the current fashion trends on ESPN, advocating for a more traditional and gentlemanly appearance. “We don't need to do anything different in sports. Guys. Wear a suit.” ([04:00]).

Future of Sports Technology: The hosts engage in humorous speculations about the future of sports, imagining scenarios like holographic players and digital jerseys. “Holograms and digital jerseys that change color in the middle of the game.” ([14:19]).

Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg jokes about future commentaries, “You'll see five pitchers, but how about this one? He would never, ever get a single, right?” ([15:10]).

• Don La Greca humorously predicts, “By the time we get to the year 3000, we may have the technology that Ruth is back.” ([14:48]).

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VII. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Sports Coverage Highlights: The hosts wrap up by promoting upcoming sports events, ensuring listeners are informed about where to catch the latest games and coverage.

Upcoming Events Mentioned:

• Baseball: Mets vs Nationals, Yankees vs Blue Jays
• Basketball: Knicks vs Pistons
• Hockey: Devils vs Hurricanes
• NFL Draft: Second and third rounds coverage

Final Remarks: Don La Greca emphasizes the excitement surrounding the Mets’ promising start and upcoming games, encouraging listeners to tune in for comprehensive coverage. “... It's a great week of shows. So enjoy the second and third rounds of the draft tonight.” ([46:09]).

Quotes:

• Don La Greca concludes with optimism: “You shouldn't apologize for getting off to a great start.” ([41:59]).

• Peter Rosenberg adds enthusiasm for future events: “Pack the place. That's what I want. Challenge them.” ([43:51]).

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Hahn on Fashion: “Wear a suit. Wear some nice tie up proper hard bottom shoes. Just dress like a gentleman when you're on the tv. It's not that hard.” ([04:00]).

• Peter Rosenberg on Retired Numbers: “A player wears a retired number, but the number on the jersey is like in gold.” ([11:48]).

• Devin's Listener Call on Giants: “Jalen Milro has a better statistics than Jackson Dart has done better and as far as the season go successfully went to the playoffs.” ([23:37]).

• Don La Greca on Giants' Draft Decisions: “They signed two African American quarterbacks to free agent as free agents to bring them in as veterans.” ([25:19]).

• Tessa on Team Optimism: “It's the first time. And I feel like years I've had hope. I'm excited.” ([18:33]).

• Richard Jefferson on Refereeing: “They have to correct that today. They have to come out with a statement.” ([44:11]).

• Peter Rosenberg on Future Tech in Sports: “Holograms and digital jerseys that change color in the middle of the game.” ([14:19]).

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Conclusion

In this episode, "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" seamlessly blends serious sports journalism with engaging discussions on cultural and societal issues within the sports world. From the complexities of retiring jersey numbers to the contentious debate over the Giants' quarterback selections, the hosts provide a multifaceted analysis that caters to avid sports fans and casual listeners alike. Their interactions with listeners add depth and relatability, while their humor keeps the conversation lively and entertaining. The comprehensive coverage of current sports events ensures that listeners stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the New York sports scene.

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Required intro rate first 3 months only.

[Don La Greca]

Then full price plan options available, taxes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And fees, extra fee, full terms.

[Ryan Ruocco]

@Mintmobile.Com this Don Han at Rosenberg podcast.

[Don La Greca]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Ryan Ruocco]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Don La Greca]

I was fighting with obesity. I wore.

[Alan Hahn]

You're losing Han, Don.

[Don La Greca]

Peter.

[Richard Jefferson]

Thank you, Alan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I hope you make the team.

[Ryan Ruocco]

And Rosenberg.

[Alan Hahn]

Richard, have you ever heard of Brazzers?

[Don La Greca]

No, this isn't North Dakota, this is New York.

[Ryan Ruocco]

This is Don Han and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York.

[Don La Greca]

App 503 in the big city. Don on Rosenberg. Another hour of the show and then we get into the Mets Nationals coverage. Yankees are home for the Blue Jays. So we got a lot of baseball. We've got the second round of the draft which will be on 10:50 coming up at 6:00. We've got Knicks and Pistons at 1:00 on Sunday. We've got Devils game three tonight at 8:00 at the Rock against the Hurricanes. Come on, this is the place to be for sports, man. Got everything going on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just got one question.

[Don La Greca]

Yes, please.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Did I make the team?

[Don La Greca]

I would think as a Jets fan, that was a pretty cool moment for you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don La Greca]

Just, just, just the great Joe Namath acknowledging your existence and rooting for you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, at least I said that.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, but this is also a guy, Peter, that called the playoff game with Mike Breen. So he's living long.

[Alan Hahn]

It's all happening for him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You just want to know if I made the team. That's all I'm trying to do.

[Alan Hahn]

That may be my favorite one though.

[Don La Greca]

That.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a great one.

[Don La Greca]

Now you were losing and Peter and I were right. Alan Shefty last night with the hoodie at the desk on ESPN proper and ABC proper.

[Alan Hahn]

It's tough. It's tough.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love say proper. He got he I saw on social media while I was doing the game. I will admit that I will share this with everybody because I'm A psycho. I like. You're right. I am courtside at a Knicks playoff game next to the hall of Famer Mike Breen in the incredible. Like, I would never have expected this pinch me moment of calling a game, a playoff game, a Knicks game, in that scenario. And what was I doing during each break? I had my phone on ESPN watching the draft. Psycho, right? Like, what the hell are you doing? That's what I was doing. So I saw. I saw Shefty. And right away, as I went to Twitter, he's getting absolutely torch eviscerated. I felt. I really felt bad.

[Don La Greca]

Well, he. Nobody forced him to do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It didn't look. It didn't look that bad.

[Alan Hahn]

It was. It was more about, like, it was such a bad choice given the weather. Like, if you're gonna pull that off, you're doing it because you had to do a game at Lambeau in December. It was a weird for fit for the mid-50s. What the hell are we doing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I'm also going to say this. I've learned as you get older that you can't really go with trends. You go with what looks right on you. Right. And I just don't know for Shefty, if that's like his look. Right?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's not.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, you do know, like, you know, like, he's. Yeah. I don't know if that. That's like, fits him. That's.

[Alan Hahn]

That's all I got news for you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, someone else could have worn that. You'd be like, yo, you look cool. But maybe.

[Alan Hahn]

Let me. Can I tell you the truth, though, Alan? We got. We'll move on. There's a lot of sports.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure, of course.

[Alan Hahn]

But I just need to say this. I'm no sort of, you know, I'm no sort of pillar of style or anything like that. I do the best I can. And I certainly used to be a disgusting slob. Just ask Ray. I was a sloppy pig. And he was right about it. But I'm telling you, the sports world, there's a lot of bad stuff happening in fashion. Let me tell you who I don't look to. Our colleagues on espn. The sneakers are out of control. The sweatshirts under the jackets are out of control. Like, why don't we not. We don't need to do anything different in sports. Guys. Wear a suit. Wear some nice tie up proper hard bottom shoes. Just dress like a gentleman when you're on the tv. It's not that hard. We're doing too much. Guys. Don, am I lying?

[Don La Greca]

You're not lying.

[Alan Hahn]

Lot of bad shoes on TV every day.

[Don La Greca]

But how's it working out for them? As a great man once said, you.

[Alan Hahn]

Know what's a good point by you?

[Don La Greca]

It's starting to happen. But all that was to say that the draft was. It was a pretty big deal last night, and I think a good day for both the Giants and the Jets. Much sexier for the Giants because they trade back into the first round. They get Jackson Dart, of course, they start the night for them with the third overall pick as they take Abdul Carter, who spoke and he talked about his comparisons to Micah Parsons.

[Abdul Carter]

Yeah, for sure. I learned a lot from Micah. Just me being at Penn State. One number 11. We keep that brotherhood tight. But at the end of the day, I'm my own player and I want to make my own name. That's what I've done.

[Don La Greca]

Now, what type of player are you?

[Abdul Carter]

I'm just an exciting player, a fun player. I like to get the crowd involved, get the crowd hype on third downs, get my best pass. Russ made that big, explosive play. Just 100% effort, my energy bringing everything.

[Don La Greca]

Now, he was also asked about his relationship with Lawrence Taylor and the number 56.

[Abdul Carter]

I haven't met him yet, but I feel like eventually I will. But he's the greatest football player of all time, somebody I look up to. Just want to, like, just follow in his footsteps, knowing how great he was. And I just want to chase greatness and knowing that he was the best. That's why I want to chase. But I'm not. I didn't say it. Just like I'm saying I want to be better than Lawrence Taylor. That's more me looking up to him, inspiring to be like him.

[Don La Greca]

Now, there's been a little buzz about would he ask for 56? What do you ask for? 11. Now, 11 was his number at Penn State.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's the one.

[Don La Greca]

We saw what happened with Flaherty last year and the number one. And the family said it was okay to allow the number one to be unretired by the Giants to give it to neighbors. I don't know. The Phil Sims hits different. I mean, Phil is still with us. Phil is still part of the organization.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No way. Like, and Phil would be classy enough to probably say if he wants to wait. Like, remember that was Earl Monroe told Carmelo that you want to wear 15, go ahead and wear 15. Like, I'm. I would be honored if you wore it. I think Phil would be classy enough to sort of say, you know, if he Wants to wear it, that's fine. But I. I don't think it'd be the right thing to do. 56. Definitely not.

[Don La Greca]

No, that's not. Why would you want to put that kind of pressure on yourself?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God. Right.

[Don La Greca]

Because who was the kid on the islanders that were 66 and ended up not making it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jose.

[Don La Greca]

Right. I mean, why put that kind of pressure on, you know, it wasn't even somebody who played for the Islanders, but like, 66, you can't wear. 99, you can't wear 66. You know, 77, these are numbers you just like. And 56 with the Giants. Can't do it now. 11.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Warren Moon told Cam Ward he gave him the blessing to wear number one.

[Don La Greca]

Now, was he asked or he just took it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, Warren Moon showed up at his press conference.

[Don La Greca]

Right. I saw that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

But, you know, listen, if Phil Sims offered it, well, then it's okay. Right? I mean, Phil. But I wouldn't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How would you feel? The Giant ass.

[Alan Hahn]

Come on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's Phil Sims. If you're a Giants fan, are you okay with that?

[Don La Greca]

No, you can't. No, no. Because the Flaherty stuff, I didn't love it, but the family gave, said it's okay. And you could put a gun to the head of most Giant fans. They had no idea who that was. He played 100 years ago.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Exactly.

[Don La Greca]

Phil Simms still resonates. He was the first quarterback of the New York Giants to win a Super Bowl. You know, he's still, still, you know, he's hanging around. He's still a major part of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Don La Greca]

You can't ask him and. But I get the whole wall. He was a quarterback. This is a defensive player. It's not the same thing. It's not like a quarterback wearing number 11. I just wouldn't like it. I wouldn't. In 56, I wouldn't like it. And I also think it would just be a bad choice for him to put that kind of pressure on himself.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's such a new generation thing. Because we never would have thought about this stuff 20 years ago. Right. Like, you'd never. You never would have thought that somebody's a great, oh, he should be able to wear this jersey. Even though, you know. Well, I guess we were only retiring jerseys in the last 50 years. Right. But like, it is. It has become a thing. Like, we're going to get to a point. I remember this. I forget who wrote this column where, like, either a Yankee is going to have three digits or we're just not going to two guys can wear the same number. You're going to run out of numbers after a while if you retire so many of them. But there are players and hey, that's my number two. Yeah, but in this organization, it's not your number and you got to come up with a new one and that's your new identity.

[Don La Greca]

But I do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is how it's going to be.

[Don La Greca]

But we're going to get to the point and we're going to be long gone. But even like I think the, the best comparison that I think still exists is Ruth, right? I mean, we are very close to it almost being like 90 years since he last played. You know, the 27 Yankees were two years away from being the hundredth anniversary of the 27 Yankees.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay?

[Don La Greca]

So once you start getting into triple digits of the last time somebody played where there is nobody on the face of the earth who was alive to see them play, then maybe you could start thinking, all right, maybe we can recycle these numbers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What? No way.

[Don La Greca]

Would you rather that than having a Yankee having a three digit number?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, I'd rather have a guy wear 333 than we're three.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a ways away. Don't. It's so far off all the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's not the number. If you want to like, give me, give me something, give me another random Yankee that's numbered.

[Don La Greca]

There's no random Yankees that are their number retired, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. No, there are, there's gotta be.

[Don La Greca]

All right, let's say a hundred years from now, somebody wants to wear Daniko's three. I, I think, I think you went.

[Peter Rosenberg]

From, you went from Babe Ruth to God Bless to Ken Danico. Like, like how Ruth's a little strong.

[Don La Greca]

But I just went Ruth. Because it was so the scooter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, can't do it.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, well then if it's not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Rizzuto, then how about Joe Tory? Can a player wear Joe Torre's number? Joe Torre didn't play. He didn't play.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, bad example that you don't choose a manager. You got to choose a player.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it's a number, though. It's a number can't wear.

[Don La Greca]

Well, Billy Martin's retired as a play was one, but he also played for the Yankees. You know, could, could, could. You re in. You know, what did he pass away in? 89. Right. So if it's, if it's 2089, it's the hundredth anniversary of his death and you brought one back. I mean, it's almost like you're honoring it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Billy Martin wearing at number one. We can negotiate that.

[Alan Hahn]

How about Bill Dickey?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what's funny, Peter? You read my mind. Because I was gonna try to make a funny line because it's a funny name, right? And I was gonna say, you know, if you, if you want to talk to me about Bill Dickey, I'll talk to you. I thought about saying it and then I'm like, I want to make sure his numbers are tired.

[Alan Hahn]

Bill Dickey can have a conversation you.

[Don La Greca]

Wanna have a conversation about, but the other side. Think about it. The ridiculousness of having somebody wearing 103 as their jersey number. And the numbers on the 1 and the 3 are on the side of the J. Come on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like Van Beesbrook was from one elbow.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, it just. That would just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Honestly, Bernie Williams 51. We love Bernie. Fantastic and all that stuff, you know, could that be, you know, one where you're like, yeah, you know, maybe we could put a little asterisk on listen it.

[Don La Greca]

But I think it's more of a football because you only have. You only have 99 numbers and you've got 53 players on a team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I got an idea. What do you guys think of this? A player wears a retired number, but the number on the jersey is like in gold.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, oh, I like that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So now the player's honoring the play like you. Why? Hey, dad, how come his jersey numbers in gold?

[Don La Greca]

You know what? That's the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, son, because that number is in honor of Bill Dickey.

[Don La Greca]

That's the answer you just get. You just, you just came up with the answer.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Isn't that special?

[Alan Hahn]

That's a very good idea. I don't hate that at all.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It almost brings back to life, which is I think what they were trying to do with Neighbors and Flaherty, right? They. They were trying to like, like just bring him to the modern day. Hey, remember this player? Well, this would be the way to do it. I get my number and the player gets honored a second time in me wearing it in honor of you. Now the whole retired numbers thing, did that start with Garrick? Like, no player will ever wear this number because nobody wanted to wear it because they wanted to honor him that way. Was that it begin with Garrick?

[Don La Greca]

I don't know the answer to that, but it's possible. But, but here's the thing. The whole idea of a retired number is that you never, you never forget them. Hey, dad, why is that number hanging in the rafters all son, he was one of the greatest players this franchise ever so they just start the conversation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

And that's why. It just seems sacrilege to all of a sudden have, you know, Joe Palooka called up and wearing that number. But if. But if it's in gold, then it still gets the same response.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, Joe Palooka can't get that number, though. It's got to be.

[Don La Greca]

I know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Number three picking the draft. We leaving this.

[Don La Greca]

So. So if Malik neighbors. If there was just a different outlook because I don't know if maybe different color, but let's say it was a gold one. They'd say, dad, why does Malik neighbors have a gold one when everybody else just has.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why is he so special?

[Don La Greca]

Because the guy that wore that number was one of the, you know, the great. And that starts the conversation. I think that is a tremendous idea.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Better.

[Don La Greca]

Better than three digits? Come on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't like the three digits now? You know, there'd be a Yankee fan that would say the Yankee jersey's not gold. Right? They would do. Somebody would be upset that the jersey was in gold instead of in the dark blue, which is what it's supposed to be because it's Yankees.

[Don La Greca]

It's taken. It's taken my eyes away from the ad on his sleeve.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's making it all about himself. Like, they'll all be that.

[Don La Greca]

The ads on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Stop it, please.

[Don La Greca]

By the time we get to this, like, you know, what sports is going to look like?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who knows?

[Don La Greca]

In, like, the year 3000.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Holograms and digital jerseys that change color in the middle of the game. And the player's hot. How about this? Like, the player's hot. He's two for two. Next time he comes to the plate and Jersey's now in flames, just totally flaming.

[Alan Hahn]

That's an interesting word choice.

[Don La Greca]

By the time we get to the year 3000, we may have the technology that Ruth is back, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Hologram ruth.

[Don La Greca]

No, it's DNA Ruth.

[Alan Hahn]

You want my pick? He bats 220. Oh, man, it's going to be tough for him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm going to hit it out of the park.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm going to tell you right now. Pitchers coming in, throwing like 101. He'd be like, why? When do these guys tire out and start throwing at 45 miles an hour?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Never mind, Never mind. Right, right. How come in the eighth inning we haven't seen. We haven't seen five pitchers, but how about this one? He would never, ever get a single, right? Because he's just like.

[Alan Hahn]

Look at.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do you think he's ever like. Like, he hits one to left Field. He hits one the right. Field. He's out every time, Right. It might as well ground a second then.

[Don La Greca]

And then, you know, again. AI, that's too cheap. It has to be DNA, right? So. So, DNA. Walter. So they come back with. With DNA. Walter Johnson. All right, all right. And he. He pitches through six and. And then it. Now they're going to the top of the seventh. He grabs his gloves. Hey, Walt, where are you going? What are you talking about? You've thrown 100 pitches. No, it's the third time through the order, buddy. Sit down. What are you talking about? I got another 100 pitches to throw. No, no.

[Alan Hahn]

What are you talking about?

[Don La Greca]

Skip?

[Alan Hahn]

I'm only on number one 35.

[Don La Greca]

It's the top of the seventh inning. My arm's still on the shoulder.

[Alan Hahn]

It's barely dislocated.

[Don La Greca]

Skip. Rotator cuff still humming. Skip.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't worry. I'll put a little salve on the ball. They won't even see it. Oh, my God.

[Don La Greca]

No. That's all.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What a bit. What a bit. Where are we going anyway? Retired numbers. Oh, that's right. Abdul Carter. What number will he win?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, what number will he end up playing? But let's hear from Jackson Dart, because we heard a lot from Carter before the draft because we kind of knew that he was on the board. We didn't know that Jackson Dart was. Was possibly going to be picked by the Giants. And he talked about the draft process.

[Jackson Dart]

Yeah, it's been crazy. It's been surreal, for sure. I think just growing up, this is. As an athlete, this is what your dream is. So being able to experience this with my family, my loved ones back home was quite a special. And then carrying it over to come in here and bring them with me is an amazing experience for sure. So couldn't be more happy.

[Don La Greca]

And on being a Giant.

[Jackson Dart]

Yeah, no doubt. This place is iconic. You know, everybody in the National Football League knows it. If you're a fan, you know it. So I'm blessed to be here. I'm humbled by it. It's extraordinary to see it on the wall when you walk by. You can just feel it in the air when you're here. So I was able to meet Alleged today and Carl Banks. So being able just to be a part of this is quite, you know, amazing. And I'm very humbled by it.

[Don La Greca]

Now, that might just be rehearsed, but if you're a Giant fan, isn't that good to hear if it is true that you're. That the history of your franchise that after these embarrassing years and how far the franchise has fallen, that in the eye, in the eyes of a young player, there's still an iconic franchise to it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Absolutely. I also think, you know, first of all, him you can hear already. He understands how to play the game. Making sure to mention Carl Banks. Right. How quickly he was to say, I met a legend. I think he gets it. I also heard him talking about how being in a big market, kind of it excites him. It's something he's looking forward to. He's a Utah kid. Like, he's not necessarily a big market, big personality kind of background, but he seems to want that. He seems to really like it. And just hearing him talk, he does seem pretty comfortable in front of a microphone.

[Don La Greca]

Well, let's get back to the phones at 1-800-919-3776. And I'm sure Tessa and Wes Caldwell is excited about the Giants draft, right, Tessa?

[Tessa]

You already know, Don. Listen, how many years have I been calling ready to bash my head against the wall, throw up 75 times and just like launch myself down the stairs? This is the first time. And I feel like years I've had hope. I'm excited. It was like Peter said earlier, it was an actual snid bit of direction that we look like we're going to like. I feel so good because right now our front four looks sexy. I know Kayvon will probably be gone after next year, but I don't care. Right now we look like if we gel the way we're supposed to, we're gonna be on top. Like, at least defense wins championship. We're not winning in no time soon. But I'm just saying we might win a couple of games now. Now some quarterbacks are going to be a little nervous. That's all I'm saying. And speaking of quarterbacks being nervous, you guys know I listen every day. The only time I don't listen is if I'm. But I was listening yesterday. And of course, Peter with his jokes, he said, oh, if Texas Lakers get eliminated, what will Tessa have to call about? You know what I'm have to call about? When Abdul Carter be freaking knocking Jaden Daniel's block off twice a year. That's what I'll be calling about. You understand what I'm saying? When he gonna have to really show his speed because Abdul who, AKA I'm corny, but I'm calling him Dooley for short. When he gonna be getting there thrashing him. That's what I'm gonna be calling about. Pete, you know what I'm saying? You always got the jokes, but I'm listening. And you know I'm gonna get at you the next time, but that's what I'm gonna be calling about. Because I'm looking forward to that. Because he's a supernova talent, but I'm looking forward to our guy getting at him.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen, I love. While we're all having fantasy conversations, I'm looking forward to having a six pack next year. You know what I mean? We'll see. We'll see what happens.

[Tessa]

But guess what, Peter. With hard work and determination, it could definitely happen for you, bro. That's what I'm saying. It's not like. It's not possible.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't like those things is the problem. And in fact, you're right. It's probably a sure bet if I put in the effort that I'd get a six pack than that.

[Tessa]

Listen, you already. Peter, you already got a beautiful daughter. When she hits 16, bro, you gonna have at least a four pack. Cause you're gonna be letting these dudes out here know this is my daughter. So trust me. You might be falling off now, but wait till Maya get a little older. You gonna get it.

[Alan Hahn]

I might need Abdul Carter to help me chase these guys off. Okay?

[Tessa]

You will need them. He'll be around.

[Don La Greca]

Love, Tessa. I just love the fact that, like Giant fans can actually feel good for the first time in a while. And we talked about how apathetic this French this base has been to the franchise. And now after what at least is looked upon as a good draft day, that they could be back. So good on Tessa, by the way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lakers Timberwolves tonight, 9:30, ESPN. By the way, that's a scared for the Lakers.

[Alan Hahn]

Scary, scary time. Scary hours for the Lakers getting back to Minnesota. Race the rudders.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Raise the sails. Race the sails.

[Alan Hahn]

Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Over. Roger, wait. Is that an enterprise sales solution? Reach sales professionals, not professional sailors. With LinkedIn ads, you can target the.

[Don La Greca]

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[Don La Greca]

Go to your happy price Priceline. At New Balance. We believe if you run, you're a runner, however you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing things the right way, you're free to discover your way. And that's what running's all about. Run your [e-mail] running.

[Ryan Ruocco]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Ryan Ruocco]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don La Greca]

Don on Rosenberg 880 ESPN 6:00 coverage of Mets and Nationals. Let's line up the calls on 1-800-919-3776, Talk Draft Talk Knicks. Knicks, by the way, will be playing game four on Sunday, 12:30 pre 1:00 tip right here. I guess that'll probably be a 1050 vehicle considering the Mets, I believe are the afternoon. I could be corrected by that. But Certainly whether it's 1050 or 8 80, all the games can be heard on either of those two stations for the length of Knicks are on. Let's go to Devin in Cortland. You're on ESPN New York. What's up Devin?

[Devin]

Hey guys. Hey, big fan of the show. Don. You told me to call in. I called in. What's what's the unwillingness of the Giants to draft a black quarterback? What's that issue? They said they want a quarterback with athleticism. All these things that Jackson Dart has. But they didn't draft Jalen Milro. Jalen Milroy has has a better statistics than Jackson Dart has done better and as far as the season go successfully went to the playoffs. Jacksonville hasn't done anything in his conference. Look at his stats against Bama, Georgia, what's it called? Florida against Florida. I'm a college football fanatic. I know you guys don't listen to it. I. I'm. Your guys are watching. I watch it religiously. Jackson Dart is not it. He's a Daniel Jones 2.0. I had a root canal yesterday, guys. I'm talking a little loud. I'm hurting my mouth here. But I had to get this out.

[Don La Greca]

Well, so what do you think?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a history that they have. It is. It's something they can't escape. But they do. Have they? No, it's true. And it's been a conversation around. They don't like it. They're uncomfortable about it. They did sign two black quarterbacks to free agent as free agents to bring them in as veterans. But I just think, honestly, Devin, with the I paid a lot of attention to what the Giants were doing this year. They really liked Millereau and they, they, he was part of their process of working him out. I just think they rated Dart higher than him. They could have taken Miller in the second round if they couldn't make the move for Dart or if maybe somebody else made a move and took dart.

[Devin]

Correct.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I just think they had them rated higher and they took the higher rated player in their opinion.

[Devin]

See, I get that, you know, you had the what they try to trace for Kim Ward. So yeah, that probably would have ended yesterday, but they didn't. And so the reality is they get. They said they wanted the athleticism and I guess you do. I'm not even arguing.

[Don La Greca]

What do you Insignia. What are you trying to say, they're racists?

[Devin]

Yeah, I'm trying to say what's going on? You've been here.

[Don La Greca]

What's going on? Just circus. You got to bring more evidence than that, man. If they were going to trade up to one, which they desperately tried to do, according to reports, they would have taken Cam Ward. So if they were not interested in having a black quarterback as the face of their franchise, why would they try to trade up to get him? Why do you disconnect these people when I'm trying to have a debate with the guy I don't understand? Because they've never drafted. By the way, they had drafted Eli Manning and basically had him for 20 years. So they weren't interested in the quarterback, but yet they had black backup quarterbacks. They benched Eli Manning for Geno Smith. They went out and signed two African American quarterbacks to be the quarterback of 2025. They had a African American general manager. So if you're going to call the organization racist, you can't just put it down to the convenience of they've never drafted an African American quarterback. Well, how many opportunities did they have? They had one during Daniel Jones. Could have been Dwayne Haskins, God rest his soul. That would have been a mistake. So maybe they didn't like him. They also the most popular players in the history of the Giants organization have been African American. You saw John Marra basically cry on national television that his quarterback, Barkley, who was an African American, was going to not be back with the team. So if you're telling me they can't have an African American as the face of their franchise because they are racist. Which is obviously what you're insinuating. Then why would John Mara have an African American general manager who obviously would have been somebody that wouldn't have picked an African American quarterback? So you're telling me that the African American wouldn't then pick a black quarterback and they were trying to trade up to get a black quarterback. I mean, the evidence has overwhelming that it's not an issue. But you've decided just pare it down to they've never drafted an African American quarterback, thus they must be racist when there are hundreds of examples of that not being the case.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You are correct. But that has been a stigma with this franchise that is under like it's just been a stigma that has been put on them that is undeniable and you are going to hear it. Yeah, because this is what fans do that look at it a certain way.

[Don La Greca]

They're going to say people do it, period. If you want to just paint somebody with a brush, you can do it and find something that is indisputable.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're right.

[Don La Greca]

And, and so we've taken all the other evidence and thrown it out. But the fact that they have not just drafted back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

A quarterback obviously means that they are racist.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's why a lot about the Giants that gets insinuated because it doesn't make it right.

[Don La Greca]

A narrative. You don't see what goes on in this world, of course, and then people love it and it create. Well, listen, there's a lot of people out there that are. That are people that I respect in the business that say that Shador Sanders was not drafted in the first round because of his race. I'm seeing it all over social media. Yet the first overall pick was African American.

[Alan Hahn]

Imagine how confusing this all was for me yesterday when I didn't know the race, when I didn't know if Jackson Dart or Jalen Milroe were black or white.

[Don La Greca]

But again, this, this is the crying wolf. That really is a shame because when there is actual racism, then it gets lost in the ether because of ridiculous accounts like this where there is no other evidence other than just a coincidence of the fact that they've never drafted an African American quarterback when for almost 20 years they didn't have to draft a quarterback and they just tried to trade up to draft a quarterback that was African American.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, it's also, it is interesting in that in a similar vein, the sort of outrage about Shador as if like this whole notion of him like being Hated on is. I don't understand what's going on with people. Like, it's. I guess because people know. Know him better and everyone fell in love with the, the Jackson State and then Colorado story and people, you know, they became must see TV for a while. So people drew a big connection and obviously all of us have some sort of connection to Deion. But guys, I was blown away to see sort of how personally people have taken it that Shador Sanders was not drafted on day one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's very weird. The only bias that people might have against Shador Sanders is that his dad is, you know, got a huge personality and has a lot to say and has a show on Tubi and all this stuff that he has an opinion.

[Alan Hahn]

We love to be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's never as you do. We all do. And he's never afraid to share that opinion and all that stuff. And I think that's the bias. It's not the kid. And, and you know, Greeny made this great point last week. Ashton Genti, the, the, the running back talked about how when you draft me, I'm going to change your franchise the way Saquon Barkley did. Very bold things say, right? Shador Sanders says the same thing, Jeff. He's considered this great kid. And you go, you love the confidence. But then Shador Sanders says I'm the best quarterback in the Jet. Oh, this guy. Look at the attitude already. Look at this guy. You know, he's like, the two, they're the same thing, but for some reason it's viewed.

[Alan Hahn]

But we know the reason. The reason is prime time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

And you know, like last week, the craziest thing I ever heard, Dion. Dion said a lot of crazy things. And, and by the way, I was a huge fan of him as a kid. My best friend was obsessed. So I, I love Deon. I, I ended up by like, just by proxy. I became a huge Dion fan because of my friend Rafi. We would watch him all the time. Everything he did, baseball, football, and then I. And a few years ago, I auditioned for a show with Dion. We were both auditioning. He was lovely. And the talent, I mean, dude, the charisma on this guy. Deion's a special guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, yeah. He works in room.

[Alan Hahn]

He's unbelievable.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He can make you feel like a million bucks if he wants to.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The best guy in the world.

[Alan Hahn]

He doesn't make you feel like a million bucks when you're auditioning for the same job. They'll tell you that much.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. I immediately went, well, it's been hard. Yeah, I went well. It's always good to be second. But that being said last week when he said about the Jersey retirement, the only reason people are making this a thing is because of my son's last name. No, the only reason is Jersey was getting retired was because of his last name.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Not that he's not a really good player, but people come back to me. Quarterbacks slip in the draft all the time. I am currently watching a Jalen Milroe highlight video. Earlier today, during my crack draft research, I watched a Jackson Dart video. Both of their highlight videos will jump off the page at you, in my opinion. Much more than the same for Shador Sanders. He's sort of statuesque. He doesn't have an arm that makes you think he could complete an out in the NFL. He doesn't. There's a bunch there that although he has the intangibles that Alan spoke in chapter and verse about confidence, calm, poise, seems like a good kid. He has those things. He's not the most talented player in the draft. So I just don't know why people are acting like the, the passing up of Shador Sanders was some sort of political statement.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They don't make highlight films of poise.

[Don La Greca]

And. And it's all gonna come out in the wash because this is all done in public. Right. All. Everybody's got their name on it. Everybody knows the general managers of these teams that passed on him. He will get drafted. He will get drafted today. He'll probably get drafted in the first 20 minutes of the second round because I think he's going to probably go to Cleveland and then we'll see. Well, fast forward three, four years from now. If he ends up being an absolute stud, a lot of people are going to have egg on their face. And if he doesn't, then it goes, then it just goes away. Everybody was proven right and all the people screaming into the night will just go away. He will be in the NFL and he will get his chance to prove everybody wrong.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Don La Greca]

And we'll see and we'll find out. But the people that passed on him, guys didn't do it, you know, in the shadows. They did it right out in public.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, the notion that in today's NFL that you would make a decision that could change your franchise and just base it on race. If you want to say 50s years ago, like, of course we know, like.

[Alan Hahn]

It'S been a long 50, I think, I think 25 were having a conversation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, okay. But. But like you're talking about change your franchise kind of moves here that are so important to billionaires. Like, I just think that that's a bit much. But what I said, what I, what I meant, Don, and let's put a bow on it is just simply this has, this is nothing new with the Giants. This has been a narrative about the Giants for years and it's just they can't get away from it because it just some. It started somewhere. There are people who just feed off of it because they want to believe it's real or they want to perpetuate it being real because it serves their purpose.

[Alan Hahn]

You know who didn't help? You know what? Can I just be honest though, real quick? And Don, I'm not disagreeing with any of the points you made and I, you know, obviously we say this conversation with the recognition where, you know, we're three middle aged white dudes having it, but I hate including myself in middle aged. But welcome. What didn't, what did. Yeah, what didn't help was the Daniel Jones drafting that. And listen, I get it. They thought he was the best choice. But there were people out there at that time and they got this milk toke milquetoast ACC quarterback who turned out to be a complete dud. You have to admit, Don, I'm not saying that was based on race. It didn't help the narrative.

[Don La Greca]

But was that the Dwayne Haskins draft?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. By the way. Turned out terrible. God bless the dead. That turned out terrible as well.

[Don La Greca]

Right. So isn't it part of the conversation that maybe they just didn't like him since he didn't turn out to be a good quarterback?

[Alan Hahn]

Of course.

[Don La Greca]

But actually Daniel Jones was. Ended up being a better quarterback.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He was so wasn't as good either.

[Don La Greca]

Right. And again and I'm hearing things. Well, they never had a black head coach. Well, who is the head coach? That was an obvious choice that they passed on. I mean, so I understand where you're coming from, Peter, and nobody wants to hear me say that there's nothing there. But I just, I just need more because for a long time. Because Alan's right. It's been part of the narrative a long time. The narrative was not having an African American quarterback. And then it was not having an African American quarterback start a game. Oh, by the way, the one to do that, Geno Smith was one of the most controversial benchings in the history of the NFL when Eli Manning sat. But. But that wasn't good enough to pacify. Now we've pared it down to they haven't drafted African American, so. So it keeps getting knocked down. As long as there's still a slither, we're keeping it alive. Instead of saying, you know what? They've played African American quarterbacks, they've signed African American quarterbacks. No, it's not enough for them.

[Alan Hahn]

But, but, but, Don, here's the part you can't fight back against. In 2025, if we were to look at the league, is there another team that hasn't had a black head coach or starting quarterback? That's an interesting question. Now, whether that means anything or not, you can't deny the Optica. It's not great. It's just not great.

[Don La Greca]

But they also not had. They're one of the team. A starting quarterback that didn't miss a game for 15 years.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that's. That to me is a big part.

[Don La Greca]

While other teams have changing quarterbacks like they change underwear and there's a bunch of other opportunities. But don't tell me, well, they had a chance to draft Dwayne Haskins. He didn't do it. But I'm just saying you could say, well, Don, I think you're racist because you never dated an African American woman. I mean, so I didn't. So if you want to call me a racist for that, then I don't have a retort because I never did. But when does it get to the point where now it went from never playing one, never having one, to now never drafting one? So what if they draft one in the second round? Well, they never draft one in the first round. What if they draft one in the bottom of the first one? They never drafted one in the top 10. Like, oh, we just got to keep going and going and going and going.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a sign of the times. Forcing you to do something just so.

[Don La Greca]

You can shut the sign of the time. I'll do it when you don't push back. Because when you push back, you're a bad guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right, exactly. So you just do that.

[Don La Greca]

Fine, I'll be the bad guy today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but that's. But that's where we are. Keep picking at that scab until somebody finally goes, fine, just to shut them up, do this, hire that guy, draft that guy, whatever it is, just to shut them up. And that's never the way to run.

[Don La Greca]

Believe me. It's not coming from a place of. I don't think it's an issue. Right, I know it's an issue, of course.

[Alan Hahn]

Right, right, right. But that's it. But that's an important note Don.

[Don La Greca]

But, but, but also, the fact is, is remember what you're insinuating, that John Mara is a racist.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Is what you're insinuating. And listen, I've had my problems with Mara and I don't think he's been a great owner recently. But, you know, but, you know, it's not just you. Something you throw out there without the context of you think he is a racist. So I and I decided to try to defend him.

[Alan Hahn]

By the way, we got into it because of one caller. This narrative isn't that loud.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's be clear. It. It never goes away. I'll just, I'll leave it at this. It's too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. That's. That's generally what this is.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, guess what we do on this program, though. We break it down to a fine powder. You see?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Big pile of powder.

[Alan Hahn]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's not go back there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's Friday.

[Alan Hahn]

See, Don, that's how Allen used to get down on Fridays. A big pile of powder. To your point, earlier in the week, hey, would you mound your Coke?

[Don La Greca]

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[Ryan Ruocco]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Ryan Ruocco]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don La Greca]

Game TIME is brought to you by Tullamore. Do Irish Whiskey because when it's game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Time, it's toilet time.

[Don La Greca]

The Mets start their series with the Nationals with coverage beginning in mere moments right here on 880 ESPN at 605. The Yankees are back home, facing the Blue Jays at 7:05. The Devils are home and they'll take on the hurricanes in game three of their series at eight. And the NFL draft day two coverage starts on 1050 at six and that will move to 880 as soon as the Met game is over. Tullamore Dew the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew honey during tonight's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. So the Mets are in Washington take on the Nationals. It's a wraparound four game series. So already having won seven in a row, you know, Mets got a chance here to really put some, some really good numbers together to start the season. And the Blue Jays have been better than I think people have thought to start. So it should be a really interesting weekend of baseball.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Carrasco on the mound.

[Don La Greca]

645 in Washington.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, Carrasco, you know, again, as a Yankee fan is. I will have the devil game on. That's my devil game will be prime view. Yankees will be secondary. And then of course the draft on the phone. Like that's how I'm looking at this. I'm, I'm, I'm going to wait on the basketball. The Laker, the Laker game will be more my prime viewing. The other two games are sort of check ins in the east. But that Met game Sang is on the mound. Donnie. Yeah, his era is minuscule and I think you can get to 10 straight wins. It's gonna be hard to sweep a four game series. I mean, I know you just did it. They're tearing up the Phillies in Philadelphia after that series, by the way. You see they're tearing that team apart, which is silly after what the Mets.

[Don La Greca]

Did because it's so early.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, but Senga, you know, get starting to make you believe the ace stuff that he's got. Even though the Mets aren't really, you know, looking like a staff that's built of aces. He does have that kind of vibe going. But I mean 10 straight wins, I think, I think it's right there on the table this weekend.

[Don La Greca]

Well, especially making it eight with your best pitcher on the mound. It's by far the longest winning streak we see right now in Major League Baseball. Already a five game lead on the Phillies. Seven and a half game lead on the Braves who have turned it around a bit after that. Really, really slow start. But they're four games under.500. Mets are the only team in the division with a plus run differential. A plus 36. Everybody's got a negative now again, it's, it's ridiculously early, but these games still count.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Don La Greca]

You know, so if you, if you, if you take three out of four sweep this series and gain another couple of games on the rest of the division, you know the Phillies are going to be in Chicago to take on the Cubs and you know, and the Braves, they're going to be in Arizona, so they're on the West Coast. So hey, listen, it still counts. These games still count. So yes, it's early, but you shouldn't apologize for getting off to a great start.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Best record in baseball. That's all you can say.

[Alan Hahn]

Stick your chest out as you should. Speaking of things, stick your chest out about guys coming up on Tuesday. We're going to be at Stout. We got to talk about this. We're gonna be hanging with the people. Alan. Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're gonna be. That's my favorite spot. Everybody knows that's my pre game spot at the Go. I love Stout. We're gonna have the downstairs, I'm told, right? So we got our. The room to ourselves. Anybody that goes to concerts at the Garden, when you go to Stout for a concert, that downstairs dining area is kind of where all the concert. They send all the concert people down and they play just the music of the concert you're going to. It's got a cool vibe about it and, and this. We're going to have special guests. Can't tell you who, but there's going to be some good ones and just getting you ready for the game. I love that place. It's right by the Garden too. So if you go into the game, it's right there.

[Don La Greca]

Swing by. If you're going to the Garden or if you can't get into the game and you're going to watch the game there, come by early. As you said, we're going to have special guests and that might be that game five where they wrap it up. I mean, if they could win on Sunday, then Tuesday could be the elimination game and be able to celebrate moving on to the second round. Or we could have a two, two series and everybody's gonna be sweating it out. But Game 5 should be a lot of fun. That is a great spot. We went there. Peter. You'll remember during the Rangers run in 15 to the conference final, we were there back in 2014 when they went to the Stanley cup final. So it's a, it's a great, great Garden place close to the Garden to celebrate everything going on there. So looking forward to it. Man. And we travel well.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, we're going to travel. We're going to. This is going to be a big one. I'm looking forward to this one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Pack the place. That's what I want. Challenge them. Challenge the Nick fan. Show up, pack the place.

[Alan Hahn]

And not only just the Nick fan, the Don Hahn and Rosenberg fan, you know what I'm saying?

[Don La Greca]

Oh yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

You got to show the people what we're doing.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, this is, this could be fun. Let's squeeze a couple of calls before we get out of dodge here. Let's go to Spike and St. Pete. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Spike?

[Richard Jefferson]

Well, great. The week of shows again. Alan, you were terrific last night. I was zoomed in on your comments analytically and my phone ran off the hook at the end of the game between my boys, my friends. What, what happened? I said I have no idea. And, and I knew Zack Zaba when he was at the JCC in Brooklyn on Eastern Parkway refereeing games when he was a kid and he didn't know what was going on. They have to correct that today. They have to come out with a statement. I didn't look at the 5:00 report and say if that occurs again, this is what happens because that was embarrassing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is definitely something that caught them off guard. And I told you I talked to some people in the league that all were kind of like, thank God that did not turn out to be a buzzer beater miracle shot. Because all what you would have had to answer after that. So it should have been in a.

[Richard Jefferson]

Baseline out, not even a side up, no clue what was going on.

[Devin]

It was terrible.

[Richard Jefferson]

But we won the game and Tibbs coached magnificently.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He had his team ready. Yeah, I'm just checking it right now. The last two minute report. And now they, they don't. They, they only. Oh, there it is. Yeah, the miss free throw attempt and they, yeah, they have to stick to what the rule is. So they don't. They didn't say it was the wrong call. They said correct call.

[Don La Greca]

Well, because I guess it was. Now they got to change the rule.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What they did say is though, that Jalen Duran took steps when he went to inbound that ball with five tenths that should have been whistled dead. They, they did say incorrect call. He should have never been allowed to make that play because you're not supposed to move. It wasn't a made basket. So if he would. Now imagine if Cunningham scores and now they win the game and then you say Duran moved his feet. That should have never been allowed. Oh my God.

[Don La Greca]

Well, gentlemen, this is a great week of shows. So enjoy the second and third rounds of the draft tonight. Mets and Yankees, all the NBA and the NHL playoffs. And we're here for you on Monday at 3:00. We will start on 8. 80 on Monday and then shift over to 10:50 because the Mets have a 405 game on Monday. So, Peter Allen, enjoy your weekend. Everybody else out there do the same. We'll talk to you again on Monday here on ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app.

[Ryan Ruocco]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good.

[Ryan Ruocco]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.